A brave toddler was diagnosed with cancer at just two-years-old after her mum could “feel her liver” while hugging her.
Little Sophia Wylie was diagnosed with hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer, after her mum Danielle, felt an unusual lump protruding under her ribs.
Sophia, from York, also started getting sick and catching “every bug going”, prompting a visit to the doctor.
An MRI scan revealed the devastating truth – that she had a tumour on her liver.
Danielle, 38, said: “It was at this point her dad James and I were trying to control our panic and keep things as relaxed as we could for Sophia.
“Really we were in denial, but our worst fears were confirmed when the MRI scan confirmed there was a tumour and that same day they wanted to take a biopsy and fit a port line into her chest area to enable treatment.
“From that moment we were thrown right into the deep end of cancer, tests and treatment. It was a really scary time.”
Sophia underwent an operation to remove the mass, a third of her liver, her gallbladder and part of her small intestine, alongside having chemotherapy.
Danielle said this was an “extremely difficult time” for Sophia and her family – but added that the youngster “was incredible”.
“During her recovery her stitches failed so she needed another operation just two weeks later to repair a hernia,” she recalled.
“It was an extremely difficult time. Sophia hated having a port line in and her movement reduced when she was getting her treatment.
“She had severe sickness and was receiving lots of anti-sickness medication, fluids and drugs to help counter possible side effects of the chemotherapy.
“She really was incredible throughout it all and still is now. She’s kept us going.”
After six cycles of chemotherapy the family were given the news that Sophia was cancer-free in April last year.
Now aged four she’s been able to start school, something her parents didn’t know if she’d ever get to do.
Dad James, 39, said: “There were so many times when we didn’t think these things were going to be possible.
“But we have a truly incredible daughter, who is such a strong fighter and is so kind and caring.
“She doesn’t let anything stop her from living life to the full and is a true inspiration to us all.”
According to the National Cancer Institute, symptoms of hepatoblastoma include:
- A lump in the abdomen
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Pain in the abdomen
- Weight loss for no known reason
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting.
Heptoblastoma is most common in children under the age of three.
If you spot any symptoms of liver cancer in yourself or someone you know you should seek medical help.
